back from the borderline

In a world of constant scrolling and instant advice, many of us lose touch with the wealth of wisdom within us—often ignoring dreams as mere “woo-woo nonsense.” But what if the key to deeper self-knowledge, insight, and even healing lies in reconnecting with our dreams? In this episode, we challenge the modern habit of looking outward for answers and explore how dreams can reveal messages from our bodies, minds, and innermost selves. By reclaiming our dreams, we open ourselves to a unique, personal path toward healing. Joining me is Naomi Sangreal, a psychotherapist, dream expert, and artist who integrates Jewish mysticism and depth psychology into her work. Together, we’ll discuss the historical and cultural significance of dreams, why dream symbolism is a powerful tool for inner work, and why relying on quick online “dream dictionaries” often oversimplifies the complex language of our unconscious.Key Topics Discussed:Why dreams matter and how they can guide our healing journeyThe historical and cultural importance of dreams across timeHow dreams are used in modern psychotherapyWhy we often struggle to remember our dreams and how to improve dream recallSymbolism in dreams: what it is and how to interpret itThe rarity and significance of prophetic or “important” dreamsWhy most online “dream dictionaries” are inaccurate and limitingTIME STAMPS00:00 – 14:37 | Why we dismiss dreams and why they’re more meaningful than we think14:37 – 59:47 | Interview with Naomi Sangreal on dream symbolism, mysticism, and healing01:01:26 – 01:16:50 | Listener Voicemail from Annah: “Am I emotionally manipulative?”01:16:50 – 01:44:48 | Listener Voicemail from Saia: When jealousy, insecurity, and body image issues impact relationshipsAbout the Guest: Naomi Sangreal is a psychotherapist and dream expert specializing in integrating depth psychology, art, and Jewish mysticism. With an MA in Counseling and Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and a BA in Transpersonal Psychology and Art Therapy from Naropa University, she provides a unique blend of spiritual insight and psychological expertise to her clients. Naomi’s new book, Little Hidden Doors, offers readers a deeper look into the world of dreams and healing. Follow Naomi on Instagram @psychesdreamwitch or visit her website at magicalpsychotherapy.com.Prepare to reconnect with a part of yourself you may have forgotten and discover how your dreams could be your most profound guide toward transformation and growth.Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’ll delve into the intricate connections between toxic shame, family scapegoating abuse, and the enduring impact of repressed anger in adulthood. You’ll learn about the alignment between the family scapegoat and traits like intuition, empathy, and sensitivity. You’ll also witness a dynamic portrayal of rage, revenge, and anger in TV and film, and learn the catharsis that can come with tapping into these primal emotions within your own psyche. Check out the time stamps below for a more detailed description of the topics covered in this episode. These time markers will allow you to skip to the sections that most interest you or listen to again to portions that you require additional exploration or self-inquiry. TIME STAMPS:00:00 – 12:30: An exploration of how the core wounds of toxic shame and family scapegoating abuse contribute to repressed anger in adulthood that wreaks havoc on our lives12:30 – 25:10: The origins of the term “scapegoat” that uncover the hidden gifts and inherent strength in this dysfunctional family role25:10 – 38:39: Why the family scapegoat is often an intuitive, empath, or HSP (highly sensitive person)38:36 – 42:48: The importance of being able to tap into your repressed anger42:41 – 52:52: Rage + Anger edit (examples of expressions of rage, revenge, and anger from TV and film)52:49 – 56:34: How to use the rage + anger edit for primal scream therapy56:29 – 01:31:40: Storytime (reading aloud my newest Substack article “revenge and repressed anger” with personal reflections)01:31:40 – 01:37:37: Reflections + introduction of new BFTB partner PureSpectrum CBD01:40:28 – 02:37:58: Repressed anger and the highly sensitive person – exploration of article by psychologist Imi Lo (how repressed anger can appear in various forms and how to release it in healthy ways) Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I recently came across an interview with singer-songwriter and creative maverick Erykah Badu on YouTube. Her words were so impactful for me in this phase of my recovery journey that I knew I had to make an episode that included my favorite clips. Although she came from humble beginnings, Erykah’s “mutable” and child-like approach to life has unlocked a lifetime and career of possibilities. This episode will make you feel like you’re sitting down with your best friend, giving you the tough love that you may not want, but desperately need.TIME STAMPS: 00:00 – 7:32: Introduction (who is Erykah Badu and why I believe her attitude towards life is so inspiring)7:28 – 8:17: The importance of looking forward to the future, rather than dreading it  8:17 – 15:31: How Erykah Badu views the development of a solid sense of self and identity (the importance of becoming “mutable,” or more flexible rather than rigid in life)15:31 – 20:16: On not letting the opinions of others influence you or deter you from doing what you want, and learning to pace yourself 20:16 – 23:14: on facing the sexism and importance placed on looks in the music industry and mainstream media in the 90s23:14 – 27:45: The advice Erykah Badu would give her “naïve” younger self (how to not become influenced by the thoughts and feelings of others)27:45 – 31:31: How hip hop culture helped Erykah Badu cultivate her creative identity and confidence31:31 – 34:53: How Erykah’s focus on “reinvention” and metamorphosis is her primary driver34:53 – 39:07: Erykah’s advice on style and aesthetics (how to cultivate your own unique style)39:07 – 48:21: Where does the word “woke” come from and how has it evolved? (How Erykah Badu including this in her song “Master Teacher” and tweeting it out regarding the scandal surrounding Russian activist group Pussy Riot gave the word “woke” a life of its own)48:21 – 52:42: Why Erykah Badu believes we should avoid putting ourselves in “boxes” and the way labels can keep us stuck in rigid forms that don’t allow for growth and metamorphosis52:42 – 57:26: On the importance of staying child-like while she unlearns toxic behaviors and stays conscious in her role as a mother57:26 – 01:02:02: How Erykah uses her art and creativity to transmute and transform the wounds from generational trauma01:02:02 – 01:05:21: Why we shouldn’t copy the path of others and the importance of finding our own way in life (ikigai philosophy) 01:05:21 – 01:15:38: The best and worst advice Erykah Badu has ever received (reflections on the hermetic principal “as above, so below”)Click here to the full interview on YouTube (“Mavericks with Ari Melber: Erykah Badu,” March 29th, 2023)Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for the third and final episode in this 3-part series exploring the hidden complexities of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family dynamics. Family scapegoats start as innocent children or adolescents who bear the weight of projected family trauma. In this series, we’ll journey through the origins and consequences of scapegoating abuse, both in early childhood, as well as its lingering impact in adulthood. Together, we’ll explore how these experiences shape our emotional landscapes and relationships. By working with and integrating the concepts covered, you’ll discover valuable insights into breaking free from this suffocating role, allowing you to embark on a journey towards healing and liberation. It is my sincere hope that you can begin to unmask the layers of this covert form of psycho-emotional abuse, and learn to reclaim your narrative, rewriting a story of resilience and transformation beyond this dysfunctional label that was never yours to begin with. TIME STAMPS SCAPEGOATING SERIES PART 3: 00:00 – 04:46: Intro and reflections04:46 – 29:16: Moving through the 5 stages of grief as a scapegoated adult child29:16 – 01:00:08: Why is the stage of acceptance so difficult for those who have endured scapegoating abuse? PREMIUM: LISTENER VOICEMAILS:  01:00:08 – 01:26:12: Voicemail from Joslyn (moving on from a complicated breakup that involves trauma bonding, family enmeshment and addiction)01:26:12 – 01:36:59: Voicemail from Jane (the difficulty that comes with trying to make a relationship work with someone who is in a different phase of their life)01:36:57 – 01:45:44: Voicemail update from Lauren (more on her complicated entanglement with her work colleague)Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for part two of a 3-part series exploring the hidden complexities of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family dynamics. Family scapegoats start as innocent children or adolescents who bear the weight of projected family trauma. In this series, we’ll journey through the origins and consequences of scapegoating abuse, both in early childhood, as well as its lingering impact in adulthood. Together, we’ll explore how these experiences shape our emotional landscapes and relationships. By working with and integrating the concepts covered, you’ll discover valuable insights into breaking free from this suffocating role, allowing you to embark on a journey towards healing and liberation. By the end of this series, it is my sincere hope that you can begin to unmask the layers of this covert form of psycho-emotional abuse, and learn to reclaim your narrative, rewriting a story of resilience and transformation beyond this dysfunctional label that was never yours to begin with. TIME STAMPS SCAPEGOATING SERIES PART 2: 00:00 – 05:44: Listener voicemails reacting to the toxic shame series05:25 – 12:19: The connection between scapegoating and toxic shame + intro to part 212:19 – 20:32: How scapegoating abuse can lead to misdiagnosis of mental health disorders20:32 – 29:34: Questions to help you identify if you were the victim of family scapegoating abuse29:34 – 38:08: Questions to help you identify if scapegoating abuse is still impacting you as an adult38:08 – 45:50: Common experiences of scapegoated children45:50 – 01:04:56: Processing the grief of the scapegoat role PREMIUM: LISTENER VOICEMAILS: 01:04:56 – 01:22:21: Voicemail from Molly (how to handle a partner who isn’t willing to do their own inner work)01:22:21 – 01:39:28: Voicemail from Paige (how to keep your word with yourself and avoid self-abandonment when dealing with recovery from addiction and childhood trauma)Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we begin an intense 3-part exploration of the “scapegoat” or “black sheep” role within dysfunctional family systems. Often misunderstood, family scapegoating assigns innocent children or adolescents the emotional burden of unresolved trauma, a pattern that can devastate self-worth and echo throughout adult life. Join me as we unpack the origins of scapegoating abuse, trace its psychological impact, and dive into real-life examples—from literary archetypes like Hester Prynne to my own story. This series is about more than awareness; it’s about empowering listeners to break free from toxic narratives. Together, we’ll uncover the hidden scars left by scapegoating and provide tools to help you reclaim your voice and reshape your identity on your terms. In Part 1, gain foundational insights into the scapegoat role and its far-reaching effects on identity, self-worth, and resilience. This episode lays the groundwork for deeper healing and transformation—beginning with awareness and the courage to confront our hidden wounds.Part 1 – Understanding the Scapegoat Role in Dysfunctional Families:00:00 – 09:21 | Overview of family roles in dysfunctional systems09:21 – 16:47 | Scapegoat archetypes in literature: Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter16:47 – 21:36 | How toxic families select a child as the scapegoat21:36 – 26:35 | My personal experience as the family scapegoat26:35 – 32:55 | Key signs that you may be the scapegoat in your family32:55 – 38:28 | The multigenerational cycle of family scapegoating abuse (FSA)38:28 – 41:58 | Recognizing scapegoating abuse for what it truly is41:58 – 44:36 | Deep emotional wounds caused by scapegoating44:36 – 48:11 | Why scapegoating abuse often goes unrecognized48:11 – 54:30 | The dehumanizing effects of scapegoating on children54:30 – 01:05:21 | The scapegoat’s role in narcissistic family dynamics01:05:21 – 01:11:16 | Toxic family narratives and distorted storytelling01:11:15 – 01:15:19 | Physical, psychological, and emotional tolls of scapegoatingPremium Segment: Navigating Ghosting in Relationships: 01:15:19 – 01:41:03 | Listener voicemail from Austin + reflections on ghosting01:41:03 – 01:46:22 | What research reveals about the ghosting phenomenon01:46:22 – 02:11:00 | The “anti-ghosting” trend on TikTok and strategies for compassionate relationship endingsCraving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. James Hollis discusses the meaning of life and the importance of cultivating a vibrant inner life. Topics include Jungian psychology, self-sabotaging patterns, wounded self-esteem, and the journey towards personal wholeness.

What if the emotional struggles you face aren’t yours alone but echoes from generations before you? In this episode, we dive deep into the powerful world of Systemic Family Constellations, a therapeutic practice developed by German psychologist Bert Hellinger. At its core, Family Constellations reveals a profound truth: we are profoundly shaped by our familial and ancestral bonds, often carrying wounds we didn’t create but can’t escape. Whether we acknowledge it or not, intergenerational trauma weaves through our lives, affecting our emotional landscapes with unexplained sadness, anxiety, or despair. My guest, Marine Sélénée, a renowned Family Constellations facilitator based in New York City and Miami, guides us through this transformative modality. Together, we explore how looking into our family’s past can illuminate hidden sources of pain and allow us to release these burdens, setting us on a path toward healing and deeper self-understanding. This episode unpacks the mysteries of Family Constellations, revealing how facing our family histories head-on can free us from patterns that have haunted us for generations.Episode Highlights:00:00 – 06:38: Introduction and listener voicemails06:38 – 11:28: The impact of inherited trauma on our lives11:28 – 22:39: Breaking down Systemic Family Constellations therapy22:39 – 26:41: Introduction to our guest, Marine Sélénée26:41 – 01:42:21: Full interview with Marine Sélénée, exploring the roots and process of Family Constellations01:42:21 – 02:12:44: What Family Constellations therapy looks like in real life – and how it brings hidden truths to light Recommended resources:• Book: Connected Fates, Separate Destinies: sing Family Constellations Therapy to Recover from Inherited Stories and Trauma• Work with Marine: https://www.marineselenee.com/• Netflix series that explores Family Constellations “Another Self”• Live example of Family Constellation work with Bert Hellinger on YouTube (click here)Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do “emotionally disturbed” individuals, poets, artists, and burnt-out therapists have in common? We’re all DONE with the systems designed to keep us “sick” and compliant. In this episode, we confront the oppressive structures that profit from our pain, fatigue, and desperation. You'll hear a searing spoken-word piece by Anita D, powerfully condemning forced psychiatric hospitalization—a system that cages rather than heals. Next, YouTuber and former therapist Daniel Mackler delivers a raw confession about why he left the therapy profession, disillusioned by an industry that often punishes instead of liberates.We also delve into a thought-provoking article by Dr. Bruce Levine, who argues that psychiatry’s “control-freak model” is not just failing but actively fueling the suffering and behavioral crises it pretends to treat. And finally, we’ll unpack the unlikely rise of viral artist Oliver Anthony (aka Christopher Anthony Lunsford), whose breakout song “Rich Men of Richmond” has become a cultural lightning rod. In a surprising turn, Anthony has refused to be co-opted by either side, instead calling out political leaders and corporate players for twisting his message for their own agendas. This episode is for the misfits, the rebels, the worn-down healers, and anyone who’s ever felt like a pawn in a system that would rather pacify than empower. Here’s to reclaiming your voice, defying expectations, and refusing to be silenced by those who see you as just another “case” or “consumer.” Resources mentioned in this episode are below. Please support and follow the work of these fierce and fearless change-makers:✧ Spoken word poetry by Anita D (“And The Psych Ward Says”) via “Button Poetry” on YouTube [click here to watch]✧ Why I Quit Being a Therapist by Daniel Mackler [click here to watch on YouTube]✧ Click here to listen to my full interview with Dr. Bruce Levine (“The Crisis of Contemporary Psychiatry”)✧ Original viral video of “Rich Men North of Richmond” posted by Radio West Virginia [click here to listen] Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has psychiatry lost its way? Increasingly, voices within and beyond the profession argue that Western mental health institutions may be perpetuating psychological suffering rather than alleviating it. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bruce E. Levine, a clinical psychologist and outspoken critic of mainstream psychiatry, to dig into some of the field’s most pressing and controversial questions. Dr. Levine, known for challenging the status quo, explores how psychiatry’s overreliance on pharmaceutical solutions, the failure to address systemic sources of distress, and the widespread acceptance of diagnostic labels with questionable validity may be obscuring real pathways to healing.We examine the radical critiques that are now becoming more mainstream, including the lack of scientific support for the serotonin imbalance theory of depression, the diagnostic limitations of the DSM, and how treatment outcomes often fall short of meaningful relief. Dr. Levine, who serves on advisory boards for Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry and the National Center for Youth Law, connects the dots between culture, society, and the individual mind, pushing for an approach to mental health that addresses root causes rather than merely managing symptoms.Episode Highlights:00:00 – 07:42 | Deprogramming and Unlearning: Why challenging our deeply held beliefs about mental health can be the first step to true understanding and healing07:42 – 14:02 | The Rise of Critical Psychiatry: A brief history of the critical psychology movement and its implications for modern mental health care14:02 – 19:42 | Exploring Dr. Levine’s Work: Understanding his commitment to ethical psychiatry and his stance on some of the field’s most contentious issues19:42 – 01:55:50 | Interview with Dr. Bruce E. Levine: The myth of chemical imbalance, the DSM's limitations, and the systemic failures that prevent true mental health recovery01:56:01 – 02:00:36 | Final Thoughts and Reflections: Summing up the conversation and reflecting on future directions for mental health02:01:36 – 02:25:04 | Listener Question from Asja: Exploring the link between “analysis paralysis” and the long-term effects of chronic invalidationThis episode invites listeners to reflect on the ways psychiatry could be reimagined to prioritize genuine human connection, social context, and the nuances of personal experience. Whether you’re skeptical of mainstream psychiatry or simply curious, this discussion offers insights that may challenge what you thought you knew about mental health. Recommended resources: ■ Bruce’s website■ Article: Once Radical Critiques of Psychiatry are Now Mainstream, So What Remains Taboo?Craving more? Become a Premium Submarine. Join an exclusive community and unlock hundreds of hours of members-only content: full-length episodes, deep-dive series, guided meditations, and more—all for the cost of a couple of coffees a month. Start exploring at backfromtheborderline.com.The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.